Digital Messenger

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Digital Messenger MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 The Messenger P3 “Impartial, Informative, Insightful” GEL 3.00 The #214 (4771) Messenger MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 WWW.MESSENGER.COM.GE Politics Rallies continue in Georgia, as Over six thousand cases reported in Georgia over opposition meets with the ruling party the weekend Total of 703 people have died in Georgia because of Covid-19 FULL STORY ON Page 2 Economics Tonino Guerra’s Forgotten Fruit Alley organized at the Georgian National Botanic Garden *** Georgia’s exports decrease by 2.2% Exports of goods from Georgia in October 2020 amounted to $312.6 million FULL STORY ON Page 3 The meeting between the two sides was held at the US Ambassador’s residence BY NIKA GAMTSEMLIDZE the Ambassador of the United States to ber 12, the second one- on Saturday, No- said that the conversation did not have Georgia Kelly Degnan. The meeting was vember 14. The dialogue participants any particular outcome and the positions he second meeting of the represen also attended by the Ambassador of the haven’t shared the details but stated the of the sides are still very different. Ttatives of the Georgian Dream and European Union to Georgia Carl Hartzell. dialogue would continue. Japaridze said the opposition is standing opposition was held at the residence of The first meeting was held on Novem- The leader of Girchi Zurab Japaridze its ground and demands snap elections. Archil Talakvadze, a Georgian Dream representative, confirmed that the dia- logue will continue. He stated that this time around, there is more chance for stability in the country. He also called on the opposition parties to join the Par- liament and ‘use this opportunity.’ On Saturday, opposition representa- tives, their supporters, activists, and oth- ers gathered in front of the Parliament to protest the published election results. The representatives of the opposition once again stated that they refuse to join the Parliament unless the government agrees to snap elections. One of the leaders of the European Georgia Davit Bakradze said that rigged elections would not guarantee the future development of the country in the right direction, which is why it is so impor- tant to have snap elections. He once again said that the opposition would not join the Parliament. However, both sides are talking about the importance of dialogue in this situa- tion. The opposition representatives state that holding snap elections is crucial for Georgia. The Georgian Dream disagrees and says there won’t be any snap elections. The parliamentary elections were held in Georgia on October 31. As the Elec- tion Administration of Georgia reported, the Georgian Dream party got 48 percent of the votes in the election, the UNM got 28 percent. A total of 9 political parties managed to get more than 1% of the votes, which is needed to be part of the Opposition continues rallies in Tbilisi Parliament. P2 Politics The Messenger MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 Over six thousand cases reported in Georgia over the weekend BY NIKA GAMTSEMLIDZE the coronavirus were reported in the last two days. The number ver the weekend, a total of of daily cases in Tbilisi has been O6524 new cases of the more than 1,000 for most of the Covid-19 were reported in Geor- last week. On Saturday, Tbilisi gia. Out of this, 3504 were re- reported 1232 cases, while on ported on Saturday, and 3020 Sunday – 1354. were reported yesterday, on Sun- Prime Minister of Georgia, day. The number of deaths as a Giorgi Gakahria has met with result of the Covid-19 complica- the executives of private tions have increased signifi- healthcare facilities to talk about cantly as well. available hospital beds at each Total of 67 people have died facility. The meeting was also because of the Covid-19 over the attended by the Minister of last two days, 33 on Saturday, Health Ekaterine Tikaradze, 34 on Sunday. In total, 703 and Finance Minister, Ivane people have died in Georgia be- Matchavariani. cause of Covid-19 since Febru- PM Gakharia once again ary. Since February 26, more noted that the country will con- than 79,000 cases were reported tinue its path of precision-tar- in the country, most of them in geted and localized approaches. the last three months. As he said, there are no systemic In Tbilisi, 2586 new cases of restrictions placed by the gov- Total of 6524 new cases of the Covid-19 were reported in Georgia over the weekend ernment of the country. very fast from September on- At the time of writing 2 425 wards, starting in the Adjara individuals are in quarantine, region of the country. However, 3361 - at COVID Hotels, 5 355 - as of now, Tbilisi is leading with under medical supervision at new daily case numbers of the hospitals of the country. coronavirus. The first case of the At the time of writing, there coronavirus was reported in have been more than 54 million Georgia several months ago, in cases of the Covid-19 reported February. Since then, the virus worldwide, out of which, more has spread throughout the coun- than 1,3 million have been fatal try. At first, during the Spring, with about 38 million people hav- the virus was spreading at a very ing already recovered. The low pace, according to some ex- United States is leading in terms perts, one of the major reasons of most reported cases, with for this was the strict restrictions more than 11 million cases re- that were in the country. ported. PM Gakahria met with the executives of private healthcare facilities The virus started spreading NEWS IN BRIEF Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality: Government’s indifference claims another human life he Office of the State Min- human life. We offer you the pied Akhalgori, who was trans- died in the ambulance. relevant agencies in Georgia, Tister for Reconciliation and unchanged Facebook post pub- ported to the clinic, was taken Occupied Akhalgori has been continues to work to alleviate Civic Equality has published a lished by the office: to the Ergneti crossing for treat- closed for more than a year. The the plight of the population be- statement, saying the indiffer- “The indifferent attitude of the ment. abolition of so-called checkpoints yond the occupation line, to al- ent attitude of the Government occupation regime claimed an- As soon as the Georgian cen- has already claimed the lives of low them to move freely, and to of Georgian has claimed another other human life. We express tral government received infor- 16 people. The occupiers do not prevent them from receiving our condolences to the family of mation about the preparation of allow citizens to cross into Geor- critical assistance. To this end, the deceased Onise Gatenashvili. a medical evacuation from the gian-controlled territory, re- we call on international organi- Weather On November 14, with the Red Cross, it immediately car- stricting their access to critical zations and partners to step up involvement of the Red Cross, ried out the necessary evacua- health services. pressure on the occupation re- from the occupied Tskhinvali tion procedures. It is noteworthy The Office of the State Minis- gime.” Monday, November 16 region, the so-called Onise that the patient was in an ex- ter for Reconciliation and Civic (Prepared by Gatenashvili, a resident of occu- tremely serious condition and Equality, together with other the Messenger Staff) Day Mostly Cloudy High: 12°C published by Night Mostly Cloudy Nino Metreveli The Messenger welcomes your therefore, the opinions Commercial Director contributions. If you are expressed in some articles do Low: 5°C The Messenger 43, Chovelidze st., Tbilisi, interested in submitting an not necessarily coincide with article or news item please those of the newspaper. We Tuesday, November 17 0108, Georgia Founded by Prof. Mariam Mchedlidze contact. take no responsibility for any Zaza Gachechiladze Editor-in-Chief All contributions should be claims made in advertisments. Day Partly Cloudy Tamar Gachechiladze submitted by e-mail. High: 12°C Publisher The Messenger Georgia’s The Messenger preserves the Night Showers Mob.:+995 599 565621; +995 577 760000 Khatuna Gogichaishvili English language daily is an style of a source written in E-mail:[email protected] Layout Designer, Photographer independent newspaper, and, English where possible. Low: 6°C http://www.messenger.com.ge/ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020 The Messenger Event / Economics P3 Exchange Rates: US Dollar - 3.2951; Euro - 3.8961; GBP - 4.3449; 100 Russian Ruble - 4.2581; Swiss Franc - 3.6032 Tonino Guerra’s Forgotten Fruit Alley organized at the Georgian National Botanic Garden special ceremony was orga- emony remotely. ten Fruit Garden created by Anized and held at the Tbilisi Seedlings of old apple and al- Tonino Guerra in his native Botanical Garden by the Tonino mond trees specially brought novel, was called the Forgotten Guerra Foundation. Ambassador from Italy and donated by the Fruit Alley. Other Italian and of Italy to Georgia, H.E. Enrico Forli Association Patriarchi local tree species will be added Valvo, and the Director of the della Natura to the Tbilisi Bo- to the alley in the future. Tonino Guerra Foundation, Nino tanical Garden were planted in The initiative has a symbolic Abuladze attended the event the name of prominent represen- significance and indicates the along with the Deputy Mayor of tatives of Italian and Georgian cultural proximity between Italy Tbilisi Andria Basilaia. Lora culture. and Georgia and the great inter- Recently, the Italian Embassy the two Italian artists. Guerra, the wife of the great Ital- This corner of the Tbilisi Bo- est in the art of Tonino Guerra held an event dedicated to the (Photo courtesy of Tbilisi ian poet also attended the cer- tanical Garden, like the Forgot- and Federico Fellini in Georgia.
Recommended publications
  • Georgia's October 2013 Presidential Election: Outcome and Implications
    Georgia’s October 2013 Presidential Election: Outcome and Implications Jim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs November 4, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R43299 Georgia’s October 2013 Presidential Election: Outcome and Implications Summary This report discusses Georgia’s October 27, 2013, presidential election and its implications for U.S. interests. The election took place one year after a legislative election that witnessed the mostly peaceful shift of legislative and ministerial power from the ruling party, the United National Movement (UNM), to the Georgia Dream (GD) coalition bloc. The newly elected president, Giorgi Margvelashvili of the GD, will have fewer powers under recently approved constitutional changes. Most observers have viewed the 2013 presidential election as marking Georgia’s further progress in democratization, including a peaceful shift of presidential power from UNM head Mikheil Saakashvili to GD official Margvelashvili. Some analysts, however, have raised concerns over ongoing tensions between the UNM and GD, as well as Prime Minister and GD head Bidzini Ivanishvili’s announcement on November 2, 2013, that he will step down as the premier. In his victory speech on October 28, Margvelashvili reaffirmed Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic foreign policy orientation, including the pursuit of Georgia’s future membership in NATO and the EU. At the same time, he reiterated that GD would continue to pursue the normalization of ties with Russia. On October 28, 2013, the U.S. State Department praised the Georgian presidential election as generally democratic and expressing the will of the people, and as demonstrating Georgia’s continuing commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.
    [Show full text]
  • PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION in GEORGIA 27Th October 2013
    PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN GEORGIA 27th October 2013 European Elections monitor The candidate in office, Giorgi Margvelashvili, favourite in the Presidential Election in Georgia Corinne Deloy Translated by Helen Levy On 27th October next, 3,537,249 Georgians will be electing their president of the republic. The election is important even though the constitutional reform of 2010 deprived the Head of State of some of his powers to be benefit of the Prime Minister and Parliament (Sakartvelos Parlamenti). The President of the Republic will no longer be able to dismiss the government and convene a new Analysis cabinet without parliament’s approval. The latter will also be responsible for appointing the regional governors, which previously lay within the powers of the President of the Republic. The constitutional reform which modified the powers enjoyed by the head of State was approved by the Georgian parliament on 21st March last 135 votes in support, i.e. all of the MPs present. The outgoing President, Mikheil Saakashvili (United National Movement, ENM), in office since the election on 4th January 2004 cannot run for office again since the Constitution does not allow more than two consecutive mandates. Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia in coalition with Mikheil Saakashvili. 10 have been appointed by politi- Our Georgia-Free Democrats led by former representa- cal parties, 13 by initiative groups. 54 people registe- tive of Georgia at the UN, Irakli Alasania, the Republi- red to stand in all. can Party led by Davit Usupashvili, the National Forum The candidates are as follows: led by Kakha Shartava, the Conservative Party led by Zviad Dzidziguri and Industry will save Georgia led by – Giorgi Margvelashvili (Georgian Dream-Democratic Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has been in office Georgia), former Minister of Education and Science and since the general elections on 1st October 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • Survey on Political Attitudes August 2020 Demographics 1. There Are A
    Survey on Political Attitudes August 2020 Demographics 1. There are a number of ethnic groups living in Georgia. Which ethnic group do you consider yourself a part of? [Interviewer! Do not read. One answer only.] Armenian 1 Azerbaijani 2 Georgian 3 Other Caucasian ethnicity (Abkhazian, Lezgin, Ossetian, etc.) 4 Russian 5 Kurd or Yezidi 6 Other ethnicity 7 (Don’t know) -1 (Refuse to answer) -2 2. What is the highest level of education you have achieved to date? [Interviewer! Do not read. Correspond.] 1 Did not obtain a nine year diploma 2 Nine year diploma 3 High school diploma (11 or 12 years) 4 Vocational/technical degree 5 Bachelor’s degree/5 years diploma 6 Any degree above bachelor’s (Don’t know) -1 (Refuse to answer) -2 3. Which of the following best describes your situation? Please tell me about the activity that you consider to be primary. [Interviewer! Read out. Only one answer that corresponds with the respondent’s main activity.] I am retired and do not work 1 I am a student and do not work 2 I am a housewife and do not work 3 I am unemployed 4 I work full or part-time, including seasonal 5 jobs I am self-employed, including seasonal jobs 6 I am disabled and cannot work 7 Other 8 (Don’t know) -1 (Refuse to answer) -2 4. How often do you use the Internet? Do you use the Internet … [READ OUT] Every day, 1 At least once a week, 2 At least once a month, 3 Less often, 4 or Never? 5 [DO NOT READ] I don’t know what the Internet is.
    [Show full text]
  • Country of Origin Information Report Republic of Georgia 25 November
    REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA COUNTRY OF ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT Country of Origin Information Service 25 November 2010 GEORGIA 25 NOVEMBER 2010 Contents Preface Paragraphs Background Information 1. GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................ 1.01 Maps ...................................................................................................................... 1.05 2. ECONOMY ................................................................................................................ 2.01 3. HISTORY .................................................................................................................. 3.01 Post-communist Georgia, 1990-2003.................................................................. 3.02 Political developments, 2003-2007...................................................................... 3.03 Elections of 2008 .................................................................................................. 3.05 Presidential election, January 2008 ................................................................... 3.05 Parliamentary election, May 2008 ...................................................................... 3.06 Armed conflict with Russia, August 2008 .......................................................... 3.09 Developments following the 2008 armed conflict.............................................. 3.10 4. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ..........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf | 267.83 Kb
    Georgia | No 3 | June to July 2007 GEORGIA | Trends in Conflict and Cooperation The period under review was mostly dominated by the up and down of Russian-Georgian relations. After a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Saakshvili in St. Petersburg on 9 June, a slight stabilization appeared in bilateral relations. Russia – still Georgia’s second largest trading partner – seemed to be easing the pressure on Russian-Georgian relations not only because of the WTO accession plan, but also because of the Olympic Winter Games to be held in Sochi in 2014. But this improvement in Russian-Georgian relations did not suit everyone, especially not separatist parties, which may be one of the reasons why in June “unknown persons” fired several times Country Stability and Conflictive Events in South Ossetia on Georgian and South Ossetian villages. As can be seen on the graph, additional tensions grew in summer paralleling the water shortage problem in the Tskhinvali region, which happens every summer since 2004. As usual, political figures in Russia and in the unrecognized republics immediately expressed concern that the escalation of tensions in the conflict zone signalizes a new Georgian attempt to restore its hegemony over South Ossetia by force of arms. Relations between Georgia and Russia worsened further after the publication of the last UNOMIG report issued on 12 July. The report suggested, but did not explicitly claim, that Russian army helicopters could have been involved in an attack on Tbilisi- controlled upper Kodori Gorge on 11 March 2007. Soon after, the Russian Foreign Source: FAST event data Ministry stated that “it is clear which side has been interested in the incident.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Scholars in the Abkhazians' Loss of Trust in the Georgians and How to Remedy the Situation Haarlem Conference-Talk 1
    The role of scholars in the Abkhazians' loss of trust in the Georgians and how to remedy the situation Haarlem conference-talk 1st June 1997 George Hewitt Being privileged to hold the only full-time academic post in the UK for Caucasian languages, I openly confess my simple and firm conviction that anyone with a professional concern for the languages of the Caucasus should be actively engaged in helping to preserve them. This may (regrettably) mean that on occasions, rather than take the easy option of looking the other way and remaining silent, one has to speak out when the survival of one Caucasian group is threatened by the actions of others (even when those others are fellow-Caucasians). It was adherence to this belief which led to my involvement in the developing Georgian-Abkhazian crisis of 1989 and which has conditioned my statements and/or writings on the topic ever since; in no way was I motivated by anti-Georgian sentiment, even if this to some was a convenient accusation. If my wishes for the well-being of the region's languages and speakers means that I have to criticise Georgian behaviour towards Abkhazia (or, to take a different example, Georgian attitudes on the ethnic identity of Mingrelians, Svans and Laz, namely that they are 'Georgians'), then I shall voice those criticisms, convinced that encouragement (even through silence) of Georgian views in these matters is ultimately not in the best interests of even Georgians themselves. I do not propose to repeat the whole history of Georgian-Abkhazian relations, culminating in the war of 1992-93, for I assume this is common knowledge -- for details see my 1993 paper.
    [Show full text]
  • INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION Georgia — Presidential Election, 27 October 2013
    NATO Parliamentary Assembly Assemblée parlementaire de l’OTAN INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION Georgia — Presidential Election, 27 October 2013 STATEMENT OF PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Tbilisi, 28 October 2013 – This Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions is the result of a common endeavour involving the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the European Parliament (EP) and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA). João Soares (Portugal) was appointed as Special Co-ordinator by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to lead the short-term OSCE observer mission. Meritxell Mateu Pi (Andorra) headed the PACE delegation, Krzysztof Lisek (Poland) headed the EP delegation, Mati Raidma (Estonia) headed the NATO PA delegation, and Ilkka Kanerva (Finland) headed the OSCE PA delegation. Matteo Mecacci (Italy) is the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission (EOM), deployed from 19 September 2013. The assessment was made to determine whether the elections complied with the OSCE commitments and Council of Europe standards for democratic elections, as well as with Georgia’s international obligations and domestic legislation. This statement of preliminary findings and conclusions is delivered prior to the completion of the election process. The final assessment of the elections will depend, in part, on the conduct of the remaining stages of the election process, including the count, the tabulation and announcement of results, and the handling of possible post-election day complaints or appeals. The OSCE/ODIHR will issue a comprehensive final report, including recommendations for potential improvements, some eight weeks after the completion of the election process.
    [Show full text]
  • IFES Faqs on Elections in Georgia
    Elections in Georgia 2018 Presidential Election Frequently Asked Questions Europe and Eurasia International Foundation for Electoral Systems 2011 Crystal Drive | Floor 10 | Arlington, VA 22202 | www.IFES.org October 22, 2018 Frequently Asked Questions When is Election Day? ................................................................................................................................... 1 Who are citizens voting for on Election Day? ............................................................................................... 1 Why is the presidential election important? ................................................................................................ 1 What is the current political situation in Georgia? ....................................................................................... 1 Will there be public candidate debates ahead of the election? ................................................................... 2 When will the results be announced? .......................................................................................................... 3 What if there is a second round? .................................................................................................................. 3 What laws regulate the presidential elections in Georgia? .......................................................................... 3 Who is eligible to run for office?................................................................................................................... 3 Who are the
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia- USA Political Relations Under President Donald Trump Administration in 2017
    Georgia- USA Political Relations under President Donald Trump Administration in 2017 Journal in Humanities; ISSN: 2298-0245; e-ISSN: 2346-8289; Volume 10, Issue 1, 2021 Georgia- USA Political Relations under President Donald Trump Administration in 2017 Marine CHANGIANI* Abstract This article gives the analysis of the consequences of formal visits and meetings of Georgian officials with President Donald Trump, his administration and other U.S. officials. It reviews significant documents and bills signed between the USA and Georgia in 2017. The main issues of state visits and meetings are chronologically described using official information published on websites of Ministries of Georgia and the Department of States. It is an attempt to show through formal visits how political activities and involvement of officials in global processes can bring positive results to the country and how significant it is for Georgia to keep the strategic partnership with US and deepen it under any administrations. Simultaneously, the facts described in the paper prove again that US keeps supporting Georgia as one of the loyal partners in the South Caucausus and also keeps its geopolitical interest in the region. Keywords: Formal visits, new administration, occupation, strategic partner, territorial integrity *Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Humanities, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia. E-mail: [email protected] SUPERVISOR: Vasil KACHARAVA, Prof., Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia. E-mail: [email protected] 8 Marine CHANGIANI Journal in Humanities; ISSN: 2298-0245; e-ISSN: 2346-8289; Volume 10, Issue 1, 2021 Introduction Mikheil Janelidze met the Secretary of States Rex Tillerson and President’s adviser on National Security issues – Michael Finn.
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia Presidential Elections, 27 October 2013
    ELECTION OBSERVATION DELEGATION TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN GEORGIA (27 October 2013) Report by Krzysztof LISEK, Chair of the Delegation Annexes: A. Final programme (including list of participants) B. Declaration of the Chair of the EP Delegation at the Press Conference of the IEOM C. International Election Observation Mission Preliminary findings and conclusions Introduction Following an invitation sent by Maja Panjikidze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament authorised, on 12 September 2013, the sending of an Election Observation Delegation to observe the presidential elections in Georgia scheduled on 27 October 2013. The European Parliament Election Observation Delegation was composed of six Members: Mr Krzysztof LISEK (EPP, Poland), Mr Sławomir NITRAS (EPP, Poland), Mr Joachim ZELLER (EPP, Germany), Ms Kinga GÖNCZ (S&D, Hungary), Mr Adam BIELAN (ECR, Poland) and Mr Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, Poland). Mr Krzysztof Lisek was thus elected Chair of the Delegation at the constitutive meeting of this delegation held on 3 October 2013. The Delegation conducted its activities in Georgia from 29 September to 28 October 2012 and was integrated within the framework of the OSCE/ODIHR international election observation mission. The EP Delegation cooperated closely with the OSCE/ODIHR mission headed by Mr Matteo Mecacci (Italy), the OSCE PA Delegation headed by Mr Ilkka Kanerva (Finland), the Council of Europe PA Delegation headed by Ms. Meritxell Mateu Pi (Andorra), and the NATO PA Delegation headed by Mr Mati Raidma (Estonia). Mr Joao Soares was the Special Coordinator of the OSCE Chairmanship in Office and leader of the OSCE STOs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fourth Trial Monitoring Report of High-Profile Criminal Cases
    The Fourth Trial Monitoring Report of High-Profile Criminal Cases Monitoring Period: June 2015 - March 2017 The report was prepared with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The views expressed in the report do not necessarily coincide with those of Sida. Transparency International Georgia is solely responsible for the report's content. Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 Gigi (Giorgi) Ugulava, Vano (Ivane) Merabishvili, Zurab Adeishvili, Davit Kezerashvili .......................... 4 Gigi (Giorgi) Ugulava and Davit Kezerashvili ......................................................................................... 11 Gigi (Giorgi) Ugulava, Aleksandre Gogokhia ......................................................................................... 14 Gigi (Giorgi) Ugulava, Aleksi Tabuashvili and others (Tbilisi Development Fund case) ........................ 18 Mikheil Saakashvili (case of physical assault of Valeri Gelashvili) ........................................................ 20 Ivane Merabishvili, Erekle Kodua, Gia Siradze (case of physical assault of Valeri Gelashvili) .............. 22 Giorgi Oniani ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Nikanor Melia, Zurab Adeishvili and others (case of bankruptcy of Kartu Bank) ................................
    [Show full text]
  • News Digest on Georgia
    NEWS DIGEST ON GEORGIA October 28-31 Compiled by: Aleksandre Davitashvili Date: November 1, 2019 Occupied Regions Tskhinvali Region (so called South Ossetia) 1. Amid Crossing Point Closure, Patient Dies after Delayed Transfer to Tskhinvali Margo Martiashvili, who was transferred from Ikoti village of occupied Akhalgori Municipality to Tskhinvali for medical treatment, died in the hospital on October 28 after allegedly suffering from a stroke, Tamar Mearakishvili, an Akhalgori-based civil rights activist, reported yesterday. It took the emergency vehicle from occupied Tskhinvali three hours to transfer Martiashvili to hospital. The patient could not be taken to Tbilisi, located some 45 minutes drive from Akhalgori, as the crossing points between occupied region and the rest of Georgia, including the Odzisi / Mosabruni crossing point, remain closed since September (Civil.ge, October 29, 2019). 2. EUMM Offers Condolences on Patient’s Death in Tskhinvali Amid Crossing Point Closure The European Union Monitoring Mission to Georgia (EUMM) released a statement on October 29, offering condolences on the death of Margo Martiashvili, who passed away after a delayed transfer to Tskhinvali hospital from Ikoti village of occupied Akhalgori Municipality yesterday. Martiashvili died in the hospital on October 28 after allegedly suffering from a stroke, based on reports by Tamar Mearakishvili, an Akhalgori-based civil rights activist (Civil.ge, October 29, 2019). 3. Georgian FM on Patient’s Death in Tskhinvali Amid Crossing Point Closure On October 30, Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani released a statement over the death of Margo Martiashvili, who passed away after a delayed transfer to Tskhinvali hospital from Ikoti village of occupied Akhalgori Municipality.
    [Show full text]